Get To Know Pittsburgh Prospect Bill Hutchinson

Here at ThaBoxingVoice, we don’t just bring you the big stories or the stories involving just stars, we also like to keep you updated on young, upcoming prospects on the sport. So recently I was able to get in touch with Bill Hutchinson, a 24 year old welterweight and junior welterweight prospect, from Pittsburgh, who works with TNT promotions, and currently holds a record of 7-1-2 with 4 KOs. We went over some various topics on how he got into boxing and what are the plans for his present and future.

I started off by asking for him to tell me a little about himself, what inspired him to get into the sport, how long has he boxed, and what boxers did you look up to? “I first started boxing at the age of 13. I started, as a way to occupy my free time and stay out of trouble. I love to compete, so the one on one aspect of the sport really was intriguing. However, my main focus at the time was football, so boxing was a very ‘on and off’ sport for me,” said Hutchinson. I then asked him about his amateur career. Hutchinson responded, “After my first few fights, which were knockouts, I found it much harder to get fights. That, along with straying focus at the time, really eliminated my amateur career. I only had 9 amateur fights.”

I then moved onto his mentality in the ring, as I asked what motivates and inspires him in the ring. Hutchinson replied, “As I said, I love to compete. At this point I refuse to lose. I know how hard I train and I believe in myself. So what pushed me are my own personal goals I set for myself each day or at each workout. I love to push myself day in and day out. I’ve fallen in love with boxing because it’s not just about the fight for me. My every day routine allows me to challenge myself physically and mentally and I enjoy all of it. Monday morning, I can wake up with a smile on my face as I head to the gym. How many people can say they love what they do? I am definitely blessed.”

Next, Hutchinson then talked about his style of boxing. Hutchinson stated, “At first most people compared me to Arturo Gatti because he was tough and always made it an exciting fight, but I really wouldn’t model myself after anyone really, I want to steal little things from each fighter and develop my own style. I believe I’m really getting comfortable with my style of fighting of late and it has showed with my performances. It’s always important to entertain the crowd, but I plan to do so with my skills, not how I can take a punch. I know I have a chin. I just don’t plan to prove it often. “

Hutchinson was supposed to have a bout September 28th, but it was canceled, so I asked him his plans for this year and if he’s more comfortable at 140 or 147. “I’m definitely a 140 pound fighter. That is where my team and I feel I belong. The weight isn’t necessarily hard to make at all, it just takes a lot of discipline. Which is exactly the type of strong mindset I should have going into a fight. Moreover, I feel really explosive at that weight. I am sure at some point in my career I will go up, however, it won’t be anytime soon. I’ll be fighting 2 more times this year. September 28th fell through unfortunately, much to my disappointment. However, I will be fighting in October and November. I should have both exact dates and details very soon. So you will have to talk with me again”, said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson has fought half of his 10 fights in West Virginia. I asked if there was something to that and then who has given him his best advice through his young career thus far. Hutchinson replied, “It honestly is coincidental, that’s where I realized an opportunity to fight and I took it. I don’t mind fighting anywhere, but there is nothing quite like fighting in my hometown, Pittsburgh. I’ll have something special for my hometown fans shortly. I’ve had an opportunity to work alongside with so many influential people during my brief career so I couldn’t pinpoint just 1. When I was growing up, my grandfather always told me “you have two ears and only one mouth for a reason, so shut up and listen…you’ll learn a lot more that way.” I think that could essentially sum up my time so far as a professional. I watch and listen to everybody and I steal things off of everyone I come into contact with. Even fighters I think aren’t as skilled so at least I know what not to do.”

Lastly I asked Hutchinson if he has a message for his fans any future opponents. Hutchinson stated, “I cannot say enough about the constant and consistent support I receive from my family, friends, and fans. Literally, without all of you, none of this is possible. I am truly blessed to have the fan support that I do and I do not take it for granted. I work hard every day for each and every one of you, and I will not let you down. As for my future opponents, I really do not have much to say. I respect any fighter who has the heart to step into the ring. I am focused on my goals and not my opponent in particular. It’s nothing personal, we signed up for this and we know what it entails.”

Peter is from NJ and has been a fan of the sport of Boxing since the late 80s. He is a writer for thaboxingvoice.com and specializes in fight previews and fighter profiles. He can be emailed at pacman3323@hotmail.com and can be followed on twitter @pacman453323